Police: Residents catch burglar in downtown apartment

A burglar was caught red-handed early Thursday morning by residents of a downtown Charleston apartment, police say.

According to Charleston police spokesman Charles Francis, residents of an apartment located at 229 St. Philip Street arrived home around 1 a.m. Thursday to find 56-year-old Nathaniel Cobb, of North Charleston, burglarizing their home.

When they arrived, they noticed the door was slightly opened. They entered the apartment to find Cobb hiding behind the bathroom door at the top of the stairs, Francis said.

Police say the residents then fought Cobb and detained him until officers arrived.

A police report states that a trash can, bucket and drink crate were stacked outside of the victim's home which allowed Cobb to climb onto the roof and enter the home by breaking a window.

Cobb is charged with first-degree burglary. He is being held in the Charleston County Detention Center.

According to court records, Cobb was out on bond after being charged with larceny on June 2.